New Delhi– India and Chile have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font announcing the launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The decision was made during President Boric’s state visit to India from April 1-5, marking 76 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
President Boric, accompanied by ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, and a large business delegation, received a ceremonial welcome at Air Force Station Palam. He held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House and met with President Droupadi Murmu, who hosted a banquet in his honor. The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, healthcare, defence, technology, and climate action.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of expanding trade beyond the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which has already led to substantial growth in bilateral trade. They emphasized the need to enhance trade mechanisms and explore new business opportunities. President Boric announced Chile’s decision to grant a Multiple Entry Permit for Indian businesspersons, facilitating ease of business travel.
The two countries agreed to accelerate cooperation in critical minerals, which are essential for emerging technologies and clean energy transitions. India and Chile will work together on exploration, mining, and processing, aiming to build secure and resilient supply chains. The leaders also discussed deeper engagement in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, with India’s pharmaceutical industry recognized as a key supplier of affordable and high-quality medicines to Chile. Both sides agreed to address market access issues and work towards the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia in Chile.
Defence and security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides agreeing to expand capacity-building initiatives and industrial collaboration. India reaffirmed its commitment to offering specialized military training slots for Chilean personnel. The two countries also pledged to strengthen partnerships in space exploration, digital technology, and fintech. Chile announced the formation of a Space Executive Committee to enhance collaboration with ISRO and Indian space startups.
In the area of climate and renewable energy, President Boric reiterated Chile’s strong support for India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Both countries expressed a commitment to increasing joint investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and energy efficiency technologies.
Chile reaffirmed its support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), recognizing India’s role in shaping global governance. Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and called for collective international efforts to combat terrorist financing and dismantle terror networks.
The visit concluded with President Boric extending an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Chile at a mutually convenient time. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit are expected to strengthen economic, security, and technological cooperation, paving the way for a deeper strategic partnership between India and Chile.
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